Campaigner for homeless stole €27k

A campaigner for the homeless was convicted of stealing almost €27,000 from the bank account an 87-year-old care home patient.

At Ennis Circuit Court, a jury found Josephine O’Brien, aged 59, of Bridge View, Roslevan, Ennis, Co Clare, guilty on nine of the 10 counts of theft between Jul 2006 and Oct 2010.

The court heard that Ms O’Brien used some of the proceeds of the €26,852 to open up a drop-in centre for the homeless at Chapel Lane in Ennis.